NEGRIL, Westmoreland –

The local agricultural sector will receive the first phase of a $25 million assistance programme from the Spanish government tomorrow.

The start-up of the programme – part of a larger US$1.4 billion initiative to assist the agricultural sectors of several Caribbean islands – was announced on Tuesday by Spanish Ambassador, Jesus Silva, at the final quarterly luncheon of the Negril Chamber of Commerce.

It will target hydroponics – a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil – and areas of greenhouse technology.

“Jamaica will be benefiting from Spain in developing a more advanced technology in agriculture,” Jesus told journalists yesterday during the luncheon held at Beaches Negril. “This can multiply agricultural production by six,” he emphasised.

He said a local expert from his country is slated to arrive in the island tomorrow to meet with the new Minister of the Agriculture, Christopher Tufton in the first of a three-part programme.

“Spain is very strong in this technology,” said the ambassador, adding that the expert was a representative of Spain’s Public Co-operation for Advanced Technology in Agriculture.

The second phase of the programme, he added, would include the arrival of a technical mission of engineers who will train locals. This, he said, will be followed by the implementation of the programme, which he expects to get underway in another six months.

Earlier this year, Ambassador Silva said the agriculture sector would receive significant focus from the Spanish government, as Spanish tourism investors in the island would benefit from strong partnerships with the agricultural sector.